The DCU starts soon, and its first project can clear up audiences’ confusion regarding one glaring question. As the DCU release schedule begins, viewers have some questions about the universe, especially the DCU’s canon. While most of the actors and characters are entirely new, some DCEU characters are returning, creating uncertainty about what’s canon and what isn’t. In a recent IGN interview with James Gunn, he clarified what is considered canon within the DCU, stating:

“The truth is almost all of Peacemaker is canon with the exception of Justice League… which we will kind of deal with in the next season of Peacemaker. Now in Creature Commandos, you’ll hear them talk about things that happened in [The] Suicide Squad or Peacemaker. Well then, those things automatically become canon.”

While this comment sheds light on what to expect going forward, they create new questions for those interested in what parts of the DCEU may persist into the reboot. For example, this exacerbated questions about whether figures like Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn will appear, as while Robbie hasn’t been referred to as one of the actors who will be carrying over to the DCU, The Suicide Squad‘s liminally canon nature means she could well be if referenced. The DCU’s first project, Creature Commandos, debuts in December 2024, and its proximity to these questions makes a perfect candidate to answer them.

Creature Commandos Needs To Answer How A Few DCEU Characters Exist In The DCU While Others Don’t

Creature Commandos centers around a group of monsters embarking on a dangerous mission led by Rick Flag Sr. It’s similar to the Suicide Squad but features many of DC’s greatest monsters, rather than any human villains. Most of the characters are new to audiences, but there are a few familiar faces, including Sean Gunn’s Weasel and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller.

Since this first project appears to be one of the releases with the most ties to the DCEU as a result, it offers a prime opportunity to make things clear regarding where the line in the sand is between these two franchises. A few of these characters will crossover into other DCU projects, like Superman and Peacemaker season 2, meaning any explanations about how the DCEU leads into the DCU in Creature Commandos may also help later releases by fielding some questions as early as possible.

Creature Commandos’ DCEU Ties Help Explain Why It’s The First DC Universe Release

Creature Commandos may seems like an odd choice for the DCU’s first project. It’s filled with characters many viewers have never heard of, and it’s an animated television show that casual audiences may not watch. However, it makes sense that Gunn would want to start the DCU with a show that has several DCEU connections. It’s a clever way of crossing the bridge from one universe to the next, and it can answer many canon questions before Superman.

Superman is the first major DCU film, and it shouldn’t spend time explaining why David Corenswet is Superman instead of Henry Cavill. It needs to establish the DCU as a separate universe from the DCEU while also getting audiences invested in its new characters. Creature Commandos can instead be the entity that explains how DCU canon differs from DCEU canon while still providing a hilarious and blood-soaked good time.

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